AT least 1,220 cases of violence against women and children (VAWS) were handled by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the first year in office of President Marcos Jr.
Data from the DSWD showed that 870 cases were handled by the department from July to December last year, while 350 vases were reported and served during the first six months of the year.
The department, in a news release, said the “victim-survivors of domestic violence, gender-based violence, and their children/dependents are provided with different programs and services” through the DSWD’s centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs).
The victims/survivors were provided healing and rehabilitation interventions; a group life and home care program; a health and nutrition program; and productivity skills training program.
They were also provided services that focused on the restoration of the social functioning of VAWC victims, as well as the provision of basic needs, health services, skill training, and vocational counseling.
The DSWD said among the commitments of the President during his first State of the Nation address last year was to assist solo parents and women who were separated from their abusive partners, as well as to strengthen the current programs on Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC).
“As the marching order of President Marcos, the DSWD commits to strengthen our programs and services for the poor and vulnerable sectors, especially the women and children. We will continue to protect their welfare through the different interventions,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
The DSWD oversees 13 residential care facilities for the victims-survivors of VAWC and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) nationwide. These VAWC cases are managed and assessed by social workers for initial data gathering before being referred to LGUs for intensive case management.
